Following Jesus in a strange new world is both a challenge and a calling. As culture shifts and uncertainty grows, the invitation to remain faithful to Christ has never been more vital—or more urgent. This year at New Horizon, we gather around the theme “Following Jesus in a strange new world”, recognising that while the world may feel unfamiliar, Jesus remains the same—yesterday, today and forever.
John Lennox
John Lennox, Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University (emeritus), is an internationally renowned speaker on the interface of science, philosophy and religion. He regularly teaches at many academic institutions, is Senior Fellow with the Trinity Forum and has written a series of books exploring the relationship between science and Christianity. He is President of OCCA The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics
We are delighted to share that the morning Bible teaching at New Horizon 2025 will be led by John Lennox! Sixteen years ago, John shared his insights from the Book of Daniel with us. This time, he will explore the life of Joseph.
John will guide us through Joseph's story, described as “a story of love, hate, slavery, power, and forgiveness.” He will address themes such as family dynamics, jealousy, cruelty, and injustice. As Psalm 105 says, “the word of the Lord tested him.” Key areas of focus will include family life, daily work (from slavery to stewardship to rulership), coping with hatred and injustice, and learning to wait for God's timing. He will also delve into the profound nature of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Gilbert Lennox
Gilbert Lennox grew up in Armagh, Northern Ireland. Under the influence of his parents he committed his life to Christ in his final year of primary school. He is married to Heather, also from Armagh, and they have 4 adult children and 9 grandchildren.
Gilbert has an honours degree in Modern Languages from Queen’s University Belfast, where he also did research and trained as a teacher. During his time as an undergraduate he became deeply involved in teaching the Bible and in helping to establish new churches.
After 15 years teaching in Antrim and Ballyclare grammar schools, he left his role as Head of Modern Languages in Ballyclare to devote himself to Bible teaching and leadership within Glenabbey Church, which he and Heather helped to found in 1988. He has also taught widely at conferences and churches in Ireland and overseas.
Now retired from his staff role at Glenabbey he divides his time between Bible teaching, writing and family and his new role as Chair of New Horizon Ministries. He is also a keen landscape and nature photographer.
Ben Thomas
Ben brings a unique blend of medical expertise and theological insight to the table. Qualifying as a doctor in 2003, Ben’s career spans full-time hospital work to a formative year at the OCCA and the University of Oxford studying Theology and Apologetics. His studies concentrate on the tensions of medical ethics, faith and sexuality, and the interplay between psychology and gender identity.
Stephen Shaw
Stephen Shaw works as a lawyer in Belfast and London. He served as a local church leader for nearly 30 years but now seeks to focus on Bible teaching alongside his legal work.
Stephen has spoken on matters of faith and the Bible in a wide range of settings (churches, colleges, and professional groups) across the UK, Europe, East Africa, Asia, and South America.
Over many years Stephen has been active with a variety of UK charities that promote Christian work both at home and around the world.
Living in County Down, he is married to Ruth with 4 adult children and 10 grandchildren.
Sara Stevenson
As a full-time speaker at The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics (OCCA), Sara engages with life’s ‘big questions’ that are raised by Philosophy and Religion.
Before her time at OCCA, Sara worked as the Head of Department in Philosophy, Religion, and Ethics at Wallace High School. Sara’s experiences there fostered a concern to make her research and study accessible to all different kinds of learners and people impacted by suffering, persecution, war, and conflict.
David Bruce
David Bruce is married to Zoe, and they have four grown-up children and two grandchildren.
David has served with UCCF as a staff worker in Northern Ireland (in the 1980s). He is a Presbyterian Minister who led two churches in Dublin, before becoming the Director of Scripture Union. More recently he headed up the PCI Mission department, helping local congregations look outwards rather than inwards. He was Moderator of the Presbyterian Church twice, in 2020 and 2021.
Alanzo Paul
Alanzo became a full-time speaker with the OCCA The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics in 2022. Alanzo has a degree in theology (BTh.) from the University of Oxford (Wycliffe Hall) and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MA) from the University of Toronto. He is undertaking a doctoral programme (DPhil) in philosophical theology at the University of Oxford.
Alanzo’s DPhil will explore how God can provide meaning to lives affected by horrendous evil. He uses an analytical philosophical approach which seeks to bring precision and clarity to this perennial and existential question.
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Alanzo became a Christian in 2009 after grappling with a drug addiction for over ten years. Since then, he has dedicated his life to Christ by interacting with the questions of others and speaking to audiences worldwide.
Alanzo is actively invested in the development of younger generations and enjoys engaging with them on the ‘big questions.’ Alanzo seeks to use his training and research to lead OCCA’s Reboot team which engages the youth in conversation over questions of origin, meaning, morality, and destiny.
Alanzo loves barbecue, weightlifting, anime, and all things Canadian. He is happily married to his wife, Khadija, and both serve faithfully in their local community just outside of Oxford.